"You look surprised, Miss Danton," he said, as they shook hands. "Did not the Captain tell you I was coming?"
"Not a word."
"I returned to-day, knowing nothing of the house-warming. The Captain met me, and, with his customary hospitality, insisted on my coming."
"We are very glad he has done so. Your sister tried to find you when we were in—good Heaven! what is that?"
It was a sudden, startled scream, that made all pause who were standing near. Butler Thomas appeared at the moment, flurried and in haste.
"What's the matter?" asked Captain Danton; and the startled faces of his guests reiterated the question. "Who cried out?"
"Old Margery, sir. She's seen a ghost!"
"Seen what?"
"A ghost, sir; out in the tamarack walk?—She's fell down in a fit in the hall."
There was a little chorus of startled exclamations from the ladies. Captain Danton came forward, his florid face changing to white; and Kate, all her colour gone, dropped her partner's arm.